Bought a brass Petromax HK500, new, in 2017. Lit when I first got it to check, but can't remember how well it worked. A couple of times since I've tried to use it camping and it lights to start with, although not very bright and within a few minutes the mantle is dim and sooty. Pressure is fine, and maintains on red line (pumping higher doesn't help). Raising and lowering needle doesn't help. Have bought and replaced jet/nozzle and needle, replaced mantle, tried raising the J-tube & ensured it's not blocked, and filled with fresh paraffin and no improvement. Seems like a rich burn with yellow flame. The lamp hasn't burned for more than a few hours in total since new, so really can't understand what is wrong. Hoping someone on here can tell I'm doing something stupidly simple wrong! Thanks in advance. First photo is just after lighting. It burns evenly but not very bright, a warm glow and comfortable to look at. Second photo has been lit a while despite pressure still fine.
Welcome aboard! As you have already replaced the jet then the most likely cause is that the jet is loose, sometimes the heat loosens the jet and one way of fixing that problem is to use some type of thread sealant.
Is the J tube getting very red when it does this. It sounds a bit like it is burning back in the tube.
I guess the pressure isn't OK. The red marking is nice but doesn't mean anything, less then there is some pressure. Remove the bicycle pump adapter use the hand pump and pre heat without pressure, after pre heat slowly pump air into the tank. It also may be that you need to use the pricker more then once. If not: Check the jet for debris. Remove the top parts, pump up, open the valve and check if you have a steady, strait fuel "spay" coming out of the jet.
Do follow up on all that the others already have suggested, but also be certain that the fuel used is appropiate for preassure lanterns, and not for wick lanterns. Regards Matti
Also, check the needle hasn't come loose. There seems to be a lot of plating missing off the hood for such a young lamp.
It's likely that the carburetor foot valve #196 never opens properly because the valve rod #191 is too short. However,it could also be that the guide rod #101 is too long and is blocking the jet.
Sorry only just had another chance to play with it. Thanks for suggestions. Jet nozzle is definitely tight Not burning in the J-tube (not red and doesn't have the noise that you get if it is. Definitely paraffin not lamp oil. Tried a new bottle. Was the same with the hand pump before. No better at higher pressures. Have tried replacing the nozzle and needle. No better. Air gap was checked using spanner handle and also tried increasing to max gap (as felt it was burning too rich).
Sorry only just had another chance to play with it. Thanks for suggestions. Jet nozzle is definitely tight Not burning in the J-tube (not red and doesn't have the noise that you get if it is. Definitely paraffin not lamp oil. Tried a new bottle. Was the same with the hand pump before. No better at higher pressures. Have tried replacing the nozzle and needle. No better. Do get a straight squirt of liquid when it's pumped cold. Agree about the brass (?)corrosion. It's been stored in a genuine Petromax box in the garage. Never been left outdoors. Assumed it was just heat as the base is still immaculate. Air gap was checked using spanner handle and also tried increasing to max gap (as felt it was burning too rich). Not sure about the rod being too short or long. It's the original it came with. The thing has never been used for more than a couple of hours. I should have spent more time when I first got it and then sent it back. Too late now unfortunately. I'm loathed to buy more spare parts 'in case'. Are there any enthusiasts or repair specialists in/near Chester UK? Thanks again for all the suggestions.
Hi Mark, it could be that it needs setting up as Reinhard suggested? other members have had issues with the newly made petromaxes due to the quality control also 2017.. might need new seals now if it’s been standing? pb
